Accra Giants hammer Ashanti Warriors 5-1 to win Skate Soccer Cup

The side from the Ashanti Region defeated the Accra based side among others at the end of May to win the Kumasi leg of the competition powered by the International Federation of Skate Soccer (IFSS) with sponsorship by MTN and Binatone and reserved for physically challenged persons played on skate boards aimed at inculcating a can-do spirit into participants and encourage them to desist from begging on the streets.

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Accra Warriors did not budge and headed down to the capital where they saw off the challenges of Zongo Lions and Western Tigers in October to earn their spot in the decisive game which duly came off on Saturday. 

Led by their inspirational captain, Gariba Saani who eventually ended as the top scorer and MVP of the tournament, Accra Giants were quick off the mark taking an unassailable 4-0 first half lead on the back of a hat-trick of captain Gariba of course.

Ashanti Warriors managed to steady the ship in the second stanza but couldn't find a way back as they succumbed to the stronger Giants by the humiliating result as the curtains were drawn on the 2019 season after the winners were handed the huge trophy at stake among other incentives.

Aside Accra Giants' hotshot, Saani Gariba grabbing both goal king and best player honours, Rafiu Amidu of Ashanti Warriors was adjudged the best goalkeeper of the tournament and went home with a consolation trophy.

Present to watch the final was Acting MTN CEO, Guido Sopimeh who congratulated the IFSS organisers and their CEO, Albert Frimpong for championing the cause and helping the physically challenged to identify their talent in this area and pledged to continue the partnership with the IFSS in the hope that Skate Soccer will grow in Ghana and beyond as well as to win medals for Ghana at future Olympic Games.

"Permit me to congratulate the winners for all the hard work done to ensure that you lift the trophy. I would also like to congratulate the runners up for your show of tenacity and giving the winners a run for their money," Mr. Sopimeh said in her speech.

"Indeed it is heartwarming and encouraging to know that you have embraced the fact that disability is not inability. By acknowledging this fact, you are able not only to discover your dreams but also inspire many people facing similar challenges in their lives," the MTN capo reiterated.

"As partners, MTN is happy to have come on board to help the organisers and the players realise their dreams. It was an opportunity for us to further strengthen the positive relationship that exists between MTN and the people within our communities. We appreciate the opportunity we have to make a difference in the lives of this unique and creative people," he concluded.

On his part, President of IFSS, Albert Frimpong expressed delight for a successful tournament.

“We wanted to see improvements in our previous events and I’m very elated that our efforts have caught the attention of corporate bodies like MTN and Binatone coming on board to sponsor. It hasn’t been easy all this while but we will do more to ensure we get to a level where we wanted, that is getting these athletes off the streets," Mr. Frimpong said.

“IFSS will continue to help the physically challenged in society and hopefully next year we will host the first ever Africa Cup of Nations," he revealed.